View finder reflector for cameras



Feb. 9, 1943. K. w. MONTGOMERY 2,310,307

VIEW FINDER REFLECTOR FOR CAMERAS Filed May 17, 1940 IN VENTOR.

KENNETH MDNTBUMBRB! Patented Feb. 9, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VIEW FINDER REFLECTOR FOR CAMERAS Kenneth W. Montgomery, Des Moines, Iowa Application May 17, 1940, Serial N0. 335,755

1 Claim.

is economical in manufacture, durable and efficient in use.

These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

My invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of the device, whereby the objects contemplated are attained as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in my claim and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a candid type camera with my reflector unit thereon.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the camera and reflector unit.

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the refiector unit detached from the camera.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged side elevational view of a camera showing a modified form of structure for securing my reflector unit thereto.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged top view of the structure shown in Fig. 4.

One of the principal diversions or uses of a candid camera is in the taking of entirely candid camera snap shots and a great pastime and hobby has arisen in this field. In fact, the candid camera is so prominent that it is sometimes difficult to obtain candid camera snapshots of individuals, inasmuch as they suspect that their picture is being taken. It is in order to aid the candid camera user in obtaining candid camera snapshots that I have provided my view finder reflector for cameras which I will now describe.

Referring to the drawing, I have used the numeral ill to indicate a camera having the lens i3 is directly back of the pupillary len and at an approximate 45 angle to the view finder I2. If desired, the clamping means is may obviously be adjustable. The numeral It indicates a refleeting surface which may be either of polished metal or glass and which is secured to the upper surface of the base member l3. By this arrangement, the user of the camera may be facing in one direction and hi line of sight will follow the approximate line iiil'6 to the reflecting surface i5 and through the view finder Iii. I have used the numerals ii and Hi to indicate wings formed on the base member l3 and bent at right angles thereto for providing light shields on either side of the reflecting surface 15.

Referring to Fig. 4 of the drawing, it will be noted that instead of the spring clamp Hi, the spring clamp fingers i9 and 20 may be used in conjunction with the base member [3 and side shield members II and i8 respectively for clasping the reflecting member to the rear of the view finder There are, obviously, a great number of cameras and types of view finders, each of which will necessitate the use of a difierent type of clamping means for securing my reflecting unit to the camera and in a useable attitude.

The practical operation of my device is as follows:

The reflecting unit is secured in a position upon the camera so that the reflecting surface l5 extends outwardly at an approximate 45 angle to the normal line of vision through the view finder of the camera and directly adjacent thereto. The user of the camera may then look directly into the View finder when the camera is in the position shown in Fig. 2, and thus while the user is facing straight forward, the camera may be used for taking pictures at right angles to the direction the user is facing. This makes possible the procurement of entire candid camera snapshots. Obviously my invention relates to the use of the angular reflector in direct combination with the View finder of a camera and thi combination may be used on movie cameras, candid cameras, or any type of camera where it is desired to get difficult snapshots or candid snapshots of a subject. Thus it will be seen that I have provided a view finder reflector for cameras which fulfills all of my objects, that is compact, and light in weight, is a definite aid in the taking of candid snapshots, and one which may be easily adapted to all types of cameras. Obviously a glass may be used as illustrated in the drawing for the reflecting surface or the top portion of the base member [3 may be made of bright material for giving a clear reflection through the view finder of a camera.

Some changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of my improved View finder reflector for cameras without departing from the real spirit and purpose of my invention, and it is my intention to cover by my claim any modified forms of structure or use of mechanical equivalents which may be reasonably included Within their scope.

I claim:

In a view finding attachment for cameras, an elongated base member, spring clip member 

